DNA Barcoding Reveals Cryptic Diversity and Informs Conservation Priorities in Chinese Firmiana Species (Malvaceae) Using Genome Skimming Data.
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Integrative_Conservation_-_2025_-_Yan_-_DNA_Barcoding_Reveals_Cryptic_Diversity_and_Informs_Conservation_Priorities_in.pdf
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8.12 MB
Format
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Resource type
Journal article
Date published
September 22, 2025
Abstract
Accurate species delineation is crucial for biodiversity conservation. The genus Firmiana Marsili (Malvaceae) comprisesdeciduous trees and shrubs, many of which are rare and endangered in China, underscoring the urgent need for effectiveconservation measures. However, morphological similarities among closely related Firmiana species complicate taxonomicidentification, and traditional morphology‐based approaches are often insufficient for taxa with complicated evolutionaryhistories. To address this, we conducted genome skimming on 62 Firmiana samples representing all 10 recognized Chinesespecies and two unidentified taxa, assembling plastome and nuclear ribosomal DNA sequences. We evaluated the effectivenessof super‐barcodes (plastid genomes and nrDNA), plastid hyper‐variable barcodes, and four universal barcodes. Our results showthat nrITS exhibited the highest discriminatory power, successfully identifying all 10 recognized Firmiana species, and is thusrecommended as the primary barcode for the genus. In addition, two cryptic lineages were discovered within the Firmianamajor complex. These results provide critical insights for the conservation, management, and sustainable use of endangeredFirmiana species. This study underscores the urgent need to revise species boundaries within the F. major complex, andhighlights the potential of DNA barcoding as an efficient tool for species identification and conservation of the genus Firmiana
物种的准确界定是生物多样性保护的关键。锦葵科梧桐属 ( Marsili) 包含多种落叶乔木与灌木, 该属多数物种在中国为珍稀濒危植物, 亟需采取保护措施。然而, 梧桐属近缘物种间高度的形态相似性使其分类鉴定尤为复杂。因此, 亟需开展系统的DNA条形码或物种分子鉴定研究, 为该濒危类群的进一步保护与管理提供科学依据。本研究对62份梧桐属样本进行了基因组浅层测序, 这些样本涵盖了全部十个已知的中国梧桐属物种以及两个未知分类单元, 并基于此组装了叶绿体全基因组和核糖体DNA (nrDNA) 序列。我们比较评估了超级条形码 (叶绿体基因组和核糖体DNA) 、叶绿体高变条形码以及四个植物通用条形码的鉴定效率。结果显示, 核糖体DNA内转录间隔区 (nrITS) 具有最高的物种鉴别能力, 可成功鉴定十个所有已知物种, 因此推荐将其作为该属的核心条形码。此外, 在云南梧桐 ( ) 复合群内发现两个隐存谱系。该研究结果为梧桐属濒危物种未来的保护、管理和可持续利用提供了关键科学依据。本研究结果揭示了对云南梧桐复合群物种分类修订的迫切性, 并凸显了DNA条形码在梧桐属物种快速鉴定和保护中的实用价值。
Protecting endangered tree species requires being able to tell them apart accurately—something that is not always possible when species look very similar. In China, the genus , which includes several rare and threatened trees, presents this exact challenge. To address it, we analyzed DNA from 62 samples representing all 10 recognized Chinese species and two unidentified groups. We tested a range of genetic markers, including complete chloroplast DNA sequences and nuclear DNA regions. We found that one nuclear marker, called nrITS, could perfectly distinguish all 10 species. We also discovered two previously unknown, genetically distinct groups within what was thought to be a single species, . These discoveries will enable more accurate species identification and guide more effective conservation planning. Our study highlights DNA barcoding as a reliable and efficient method for identifying and conserving rare and endangered plants such as .
保护濒危树种的前提是能够准确区分不同物种, 但有些物种形态极为相似, 仅凭肉眼难以辨别。中国梧桐属植物正面临这一难题, 该属多数物种已被列为珍稀濒危。为解决该问题, 研究人员对62个样本进行了DNA“指纹”分析, 涵盖了中国已知的全部十个梧桐属物种及两个尚未识别的类群。通过对叶绿体全基因组序列和代表性核基因序列等多个分子标记进行评估, 研究人员发现核基因序列nrITS能够准确鉴定所有十个已知物种。此外, 研究还发现, 在此前被归为单一物种云南梧桐 ( ) 的群体中, 存在两个此前未被识别的、具有明确遗传差异的类群。这些发现有助于对珍稀濒危梧桐属植物的快速准确鉴定, 并为该属物种的保护和管理提供科学依据。该研究凸显了DNA条形码技术在濒危植物鉴定与保护中的可靠性和实用性。
Project(s)
Priority 4: Accelerated Taxonomy
Funder
| Funder name | Awards |
Natural Science Foundation of Yunnan Province, China | 202201AT070232 - 202401AT070224 - 202201AS070049 |
Natural Science Foundation of Hainan Province, China | ZDYF2023RDYL01 |
Hainan Institute of National Park Program, China | KY-24ZK02 |
Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, China | 14th Five-Year Plan |
Chinese Academy of Sciences, China | XTBG-1450303/E3ZKFF8B01 |
Key Program of Yunnan, China | 202101BC070003 |
Ministry of Science and Technology of the People's Republic of China, China | Basic Resource Investigation Program (2021FY100200) |
Yunnan Revitalization Talent Support Program, China | “Young Talent" Project - "Innovation Team” Project |
Department of Ecology and Environment of Yunnan Province, Chine | Ecological and Environmental Conservation Program |
Journal title
Integrative Conservation
Article number
inc3.70047
Publisher
Published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG).
Place of publication
Australia
ISSN
2770-9329
eISSN
2770-9329
Date accepted
July 21, 2025
Official URL
Rights statement
In Copyright
Additional information
IF = 2.66 (2024)